Motorcyclists and motorcycles older

21/06/2005 14:00

Currently, there are over half a million motorcycles in the Netherlands, almost one third more than in 2000 and three times as many as in 1990. Motorcyclists as well as motorcycles are on average quite a bit older than five years ago.

Number of motorcycles

Highest motorcycle density rate in province of Drenthe

Over 60 percent of Dutch motorcycles are registered in the provinces of North Holland, South Holland, Gelderland and North Brabant. The highest motorcycle rates per thousand inhabitants are found in Drenthe (43), Overijssel (39) and Gelderland (37). The lowest rates are found in North Holland and Flevoland (31), Utrecht (30) and South Holland (25).

Motorcycle density rate per province, 2005

Average motorcycle owner older

Motorcycles appear to be losing popularity among young people. In 2005 only 10 percent of all motorcycle owners are under the age of 30, whereas 20 percent were under 30 in 2000. Half of motorcycle owners are in the 40-to-60 age bracket.

Motorcycle density rate by age category

Motorcycle older, but more powerful

The average age of motorcycle owners as well as motorcycles is increasing; 44 percent of motorcycles were 15 years or older in 2005, as against 33 percent in 2000. Motorcyclists obviously prefer motorcycles with 500 to 750 cc engines, since more than 40 percent are in this category. On the other hand, the proportion of heavier machines (751 cc and more) has increased in recent years.